Starting April 5, 2025, minimum wage earners in the Bicol Region will receive a ₱20 increase, with another ₱20 to follow on December 1—raising the daily minimum wage from ₱395 to ₱435.
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board approved the hike to help workers cope with rising living costs. Around 100,000 minimum wage earners and 94,000 domestic workers will benefit.
Kasambahays will also get a ₱1,000 increase, raising their monthly pay to ₱6,000.
Some labor groups, however, say the hike still falls short of the ₱460 poverty threshold. Small businesses and disaster-affected firms may apply for exemption.
Carmelo Redencion Jr